DILI, Sept 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his two-day official visit to Timor-Leste, which ended today, was very well received at the highest level, describing it as a recognition of Malaysia and its people.
Speaking to Bernama and RTM at the conclusion of the visit, he said it carried significance as Malaysia, in its capacity as Asean chair, is upholding the tradition of visiting all member states ahead of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
With Timor-Leste poised to become Asean's 11th member, Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s close personal and government-to-government ties with President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão would foster stronger cooperation in defence, digital communications, connectivity, investment, and trade.
“Overall, my visit to Timor-Leste was very well received as recognition of the people and nation of Malaysia, including the honour of addressing Parliament and the warm welcome accorded by the President and Prime Minister,” he said.
Anwar also recalled Malaysia’s close involvement before Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002, including the deployment of defence, police, and military personnel.
He also highlighted the role of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who visited Timor-Leste in 2003, a gesture the Timorese regarded as recognition of their long struggle for freedom and independence.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s policy of supporting Timor-Leste through training, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as defence institutions.
Petronas, with approval from the Timor-Leste government, had begun exploration operations in the country and would expand its commercial activities, while Batik Air’s new services had been warmly welcomed.
On Asean, Anwar said the chairmanship would pass to the Philippines next year, but Malaysia remained focused on ensuring regional stability.
Thailand and Cambodia are being closely monitored, with both governments committed to dialogue under their new leadership, though unresolved border issues under the General Border Committee (GBC) persisted.
“Our concern, as far as Malaysia and Asean is concerned, is to ensure that there is no escalation of hostilities and violence. The border issue has to be resolved by both countries.
"We are there mainly as observers to monitor, and the Chief of the Armed Forces and the Defence Ministry have been extremely helpful,” he said.
Concerning Myanmar, Anwar said that progress has been made over the past year.
“We made major inroads in terms of asking Myanmar to agree to stop all offensive and hostilities. Monitoring shows this has been substantially reduced.
“However, elections in Myanmar must be inclusive. It is not merely about holding elections, but about ensuring no party is barred from participating,” he said.
Anwar also underscored Asean's energy transition agenda, particularly the Asean Power Grid linking Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sarawak, Sabah, Indonesia, and the southern Philippines, alongside advancing regional digitalisation and connectivity.
He stressed that Timor-Leste must not be left behind, with Asean members working towards integrating mobile services across the region.
Turning to Gaza, Anwar strongly condemned Israel’s continued violence, particularly its attacks on humanitarian flotilla missions.
“We deeply regret the crimes continuously committed by Israel, and we have supported flotilla missions carrying humanitarian aid.
“Providing medicine and baby food to those suffering hunger and starvation should never be blocked — only Israel does so. We strongly condemn this, pray for their safety and support humanitarian efforts to deliver aid to Gaza,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar and Gusmão witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOU) between the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL) and the Asian Institute of Insurance (AII), as well as between BCTL and the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB).
He also launched the International Convention Centre (ICC) development project at Dili Port before being conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste by President Ramos-Horta, following his presidential lecture on Asean and Timor-Leste’s role in the region.
Anwar and the Malaysian delegation departed for Kuala Lumpur at 3.30pm local time from Dili, with Ramos-Horta and Gusmão present to see them off.
